I have Left the UPC Church

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Michlow

In a nutshell? Tithing or your money is cursed (I believe tithing if of the LAw and the NT mandate is to give as the Lord directs)

Separation of ministry and laity. Elevation of ministry. Focus on church buildings and programs. And of course, the ever mentioned standards.



LOL, I am used to it Ron! Ever since I turned liberal he is mean to me! *Cry*



I can't say that I am necessarily "leaving" the doctrine. Right now I am not doing anything with the doctrine. Right now, I am trying correct the warped image of God that I received. Because if I don't know who God really is. If I don't believe that he is good, or loving, or anything, what does the rest matter? And no, I don't blame that entirely on the UPC, as I attended a spiritually abusive UPC church, of which you are already aware.



That's why I love having you and Nate and DT to talk to !

Sister, it sounds to me like you are going to have to find an independant church to go to, rather than one that is either UPC, ALJC, or any of the other orgs. The thing is this, you may find part of what you are looking for, but I don't know that you will find all of it. I know in my own situation I have finally realized that I am not going to find a church that believes everything the way I do. So I have categorized things into non-negotiable, willing to go along with, and don't matter at all. As long as I get everything in the non-negotiable area there are some things I will be willing to go along with.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Michlow

What, you aren't going to warn me again that 90% of all serial killers were loners?

That is so also. But the choice is yours. God has given free-will to everyone and you are free to be wrong or right. But I will pray for you that is all I can do.

[H2H]

Mich, I must view your departure with question. How can you say withdrawal to nothing is the answer to improper doctrines or wrongful interpretation? Find a church - a group of beleivers - and when you do there will likely be other issues you can again withdraw over. ALL organizations have error ALL. Because you are removing yourself to a "me and Jesus" mentality I must question your motives.

Meanwhile, I will pray that God will place a hunger for Him in your heart.


In Jesus, H2H

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Baruch HaShem

Berk, the past 24 hours have been a living nightmare for me. I wanted to try to keep anom for a while, but I am way too transparent for my own good. Wanted a little break, and decided to come back for a while. Much better to be bashed here than anywhere else.

what happend.. pm if you'd like.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Michlow

In my living room :sshhh

Ahhhh. I know that road fairly well. It can sustain you, but it can get pretty lonely too and it's very easy to head down a wrong path also. Have you got any other people you can worship with and whatnot?

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by H2H

Mich, I must view your departure with question. How can you say withdrawal to nothing is the answer to improper doctrines or wrongful interpretation? Find a church - a group of beleivers - and when you do there will likely be other issues you can again withdraw over. ALL organizations have error ALL. Because you are removing yourself to a "me and Jesus" mentality I must question your motives.

Meanwhile, I will pray that God will place a hunger for Him in your heart.


In Jesus, H2H

Bro. H,

I have no intention of separating myself from other believers forever. I view my current situation as being in a holding pattern. For right now, I am leaning on fellow believers who have traveled this road before. It is not a permanent solution, just a temporary situation, but I thank you for your prayers.

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Michlow

I am truly trying not to do that. In truth, after discovering that my foundation was faulty, I am trying to rebuild it on solid ground. I have a saying that I say partially in jest "I believe that Jesus is God, the rest is negotiable"

That is my starting point, that much I can believe is truth. I personally believe that its a good place to start

It is something to note as well that amongst all religious responses to the question "What must we do?", what the apostles gave was Acts 2:38. We find no, "Raise your hand and accept Jesus into your heart," or "sign your name on a membership roll." These are issues the UPC has correct.

And the day of Pentecost is when the church started. And the bible specifically says they stood on the apostles' doctrine.

Even Jesus said that He prayed for His disciples and that the world might believe THROUGH THEIR word.

I really believe these are stedfast issues, M. What the bible flatly says in plain language is sure. Other extrabiblical issues as if women go to hell for wearing pants are really no-brainers that they are NOT foundational issues.

Keep this passage in mind in your journey:

Heb 6:1-2 KJV Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Never compromise those 6 issues.

[Sherri]

Mich, Mich, Mich......I do love you for your transparency!! You are a breath of fresh air on here many times when I need a good laugh. I think you're one of the most sincere people that I know and that you have a heart after God, like David. Just keep chasing Him (God, not David). He will lead and guide you into all truth.

You have to have passion; that's what it's all about. God is so big and so awesome, we cannot begin to understand Him. But He is ultimately always good and He is faithful; He will keep you. The Word does say to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Read the Word and let it sink into your Spirit; He will speak to you through it.

I love you. If you ever need to talk, PM me. Meanwhile, I'll be praying!

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Sherri

Mich, Mich, Mich......I do love you for your transparency!! You are a breath of fresh air on here many times when I need a good laugh. I think you're one of the most sincere people that I know and that you have a heart after God, like David. Just keep chasing Him (God, not David). He will lead and guide you into all truth.

You have to have passion; that's what it's all about. God is so big and so awesome, we cannot begin to understand Him. But He is ultimately always good and He is faithful; He will keep you. The Word does say to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Read the Word and let it sink into your Spirit; He will speak to you through it.

I love you. If you ever need to talk, PM me. Meanwhile, I'll be praying!

Thank you so much Sherri!

You sure you guys don't want to move your church to GA? Hark! Listen to what the Spirit of the Lord speaketh....

Originally Posted by Sherri

Mich, Mich, Mich......I do love you for your transparency!! You are a breath of fresh air on here many times when I need a good laugh. I think you're one of the most sincere people that I know and that you have a heart after God, like David. Just keep chasing Him (God, not David). He will lead and guide you into all truth.

You have to have passion; that's what it's all about. God is so big and so awesome, we cannot begin to understand Him. But He is ultimately always good and He is faithful; He will keep you. The Word does say to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Read the Word and let it sink into your Spirit; He will speak to you through it.

I love you. If you ever need to talk, PM me. Meanwhile, I'll be praying!

Thank you for your kindness to my friend, sis.